Menu

God's greatest gifts as I go…

triumph

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. – (1 Chronicles 16:34, NIV)

Give thanks to the Lord because He is good. His faithful love will last forever. – (1 Chronicles 16:34, ERV)

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love and His kindness go on forever. – (1 Chronicles 16:34, TLB)

On mornings like this, I need to above all, remember to give thanks. We always have a choice – to fix our eyes on the goodness of God, or on the difficulty of our circumstances. Sometimes, in the moment, particularly on the fourth wake up of the night, it is easy to forget His goodness, and simply get frustrated with the sleep that I am not gaining. However, with the dawning of a new day, and time in the word, perspective is regained and I am again reminded of His goodness and love. Today is another day that I am blessed to have with my mom. Had things gone differently, I would not. Additionally, mom is continuing to make gains in this whole healing process. Yesterday, as she worked with her new physical therapist, Nick, she actually completed 15-20 of the steps with her walker, unassisted; whereas before, she always needed help bringing her right leg through. Right now, she is able to complete three or four steps without help before her hip flexor becomes fatigued, and she needs a little assistance bringing her leg the rest of the way through. Nick had mom rest a moment, reset, and begin again, so that she would truly know and feel that she was indeed walking all by herself. It was so encouraging to watch!

In the morning yesterday, mom was struggling a bit with frustration, as she was discouraged about how terribly slow the progress is with her right arm. I sent a text to one of her dearest friends in town, and her response was that she was just about to message me to inquire about a visit. God knew she needed the boost. Another positive that I was able to pass on to mom, was that my husband had dreamed about an interaction with mom the night before, and in his dream, they were joking around about something (probably banter about our favorite family game) and she reached up and over with her right arm at him. It had been very vivid and clear, and I shared it with her, receiving it as a glimpse of good that is yet to come. Regardless of our circumstances, God is good, and His kindness goes on forever. May we give Him thanks and trust in Him, rather than on the temporary that is seen.

Give thanks to the Lord,

In each circumstance;

Our reason to rise,

And strength to advance.

In everything,

The Lord shall be near;

With kindness and grace,

Help us persevere.

Trial and triumph,

He’s present in all;

Trustworthy always,

He’ll not let us fall.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and that Your love and kindness endure forever. Thank You that Your character and faithfulness are not dependent on our circumstances. Forgive us for forgetting how very faithful You are. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would rest in Your presence and gain strength from Your goodness and grace. Show us how to love those around us through both trials and triumphs, as goodness and grace are always needed. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give You thanks for who You are and how You love both now and forevermore. Amen.

In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? – (Psalm 56:4, NIV)

I trust God, so I am not afraid of what people can do to me! I praise God for His promise to me. – (Psalm 56:4, ERV)

What harm could a man bring to me? With God on my side I will not be afraid of what comes. The roaring praises of God fill my heart, and I will always triumph as I trust His promises. – (Psalm 56:4, TPT)

As I sat at the kitchen table and watched the sun rise over the hills that surround us, I pondered the application of this verse. It goes far beyond “what can mere mortals do to me,” and really leaves us with our own space for filling in the blank. What can sickness, disease, fear, unknown, heartache, disappointment, obstacles, strokes, etc., do to me with God on my side? God is greater. I must allow His praises to fill my heart so that I allow trust to fill me, for His promises are “yes” and “amen”. He is good and His word endures forever. No mountain is too high, nor a valley too low, that His hand cannot reach to rescue, and hold us up.

Yesterday, there was a space of uncertainty as we navigated our first full day home with mom. After a bit of a startling beginning, as mentioned in yesterday’s post, we smoothed out the wrinkles a bit and began to learn a new sort of normal in her space. We knew we wanted to get mom outside, and Meg had work that had to be done. Mom was easily convinced to “supervise” me pulling weeds and shaping shrubs in the backyard from the deck, as I have limited experience in the finer art of gardening. (I was the heavy-hitting job girl growing up, as I preferred to mow the lawn and continued that track into adulthood) Any way, mom was an excellent tutor, patiently pointing out what were weeds and what were not, as I pulled and dug and collected and shaped. She was all smiles as she soaked in the warm rays of the morning sunshine and breathed in the familiar fresh air. A short while after lunch, mom had a follow up appointment with her new primary care physician. We had to make a change, as she needed a physician who specializes in working with stroke patients. This was a nervous unknown, and we were a little leery of the new. Her fabulous new physician set us all at ease from the moment she walked in. It was clear from the start that her purpose and intent for mom is the same as ours, and she got to work orchestrating all of the necessary hoop jumping and paperwork to set mom’s in-home care and therapies in motion. The appointment was not drawn out, but thorough enough to make sure that every question was answered, and we all left feeling as if we could breathe a bit more easily. We detoured to the grocery store on the way home so that one of us could run in for a few things for dinner, while the other of us waited in the car with mom. This time, Meg went in and I waited. Mom was exhausted after all of the anticipation, transportation, transfers and the new. By the time we arrived home, she was ready for a rest. We shared a wonderful dinner together, followed by a sweet movie before we all retired for the night.

Praises rise as we continue to trust, regardless of the unknown that lies ahead.

It is in the Lord,

Whose word I will praise;

Who I choose to trust,

And not be afraid.

No person or thing,

That comes against me;

Is greater than God,

For in Him, I’m free.

Each new day I’ll choose,

Place all in His hands;

Trust Him to be God,

And His righteous plan.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness, even when we feel fearful. Thank You that Your goodness and love know no end. Forgive us for fearing anything that stands before us that seems beyond our own abilities. Teach us to trust You more, as the end of our own strength is the very space where Yours begins. Show us how to love those around us in ways that exhibit Your faithfulness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in You and give praise to You forever. Amen.

But in all these troubles we have complete victory through God, who has shown His love for us. – (Romans 8:37, ERV)

Yet even in the midst of all these things, we triumph over them all, for God has made us to be more than conquerors, and His demonstrated love is our glorious victory over everything! – (Romans 8:37, TPT)

When trials and challenges come our way, we need not fear, for He has given us victory in all things through Christ who loves us. Yesterday, as I walked through the process of oral surgery, this held true for me in a wonderful way. I am not necessarily fearful, but rather one who dreads anything dental, as they can never keep my mouth numb throughout an entire procedure. With conscious sedation, though there were points in the process that I could feel a bit, I was comfortable enough that it was not a problem, and the entire process was over fairly quickly. Additionally, my loving husband took the day off to take me to my appointment, wait there for me during the process, and be with me to bring me home and care for me. God provided all that I needed and more. Though my challenge was fairly trivial compared to some that people endure, it demonstrates how much He cares, even in the small things. May we ever seek the Lord in every trial and challenge we face, for victory comes through Him who loves us more than we can comprehend.

The Lord’s ever near,

Photo by Dee Jones of Open Door Photography ❤

Our help and our hope;

He grants victory,

With our fears, He’ll cope.

He provides His help,

And a hand to hold;

Takes our hand and heart,

To help us be bold.

By His loving grace,

In strength we shall rise;

Able to go forth,

Without compromise.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You meet us wherever we are, no matter what lies before us, and You are willing to be our hope, help and strength. Thank You that we never have to face anything alone. Forgive us for our fearfulness in the face of the unknown. Teach us to trust You more, as You alone already know every outcome and are greater than anything that lies before us. Show us how to walk beside others in love as they face the seemingly impossible that lies before them. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, as they recognize the love and strength that comes from You alone. Be glorified O God, as we learn to trust You in all things at all times. Amen.

Those who know Your Name trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. – (Psalm 9:10, NIV)

Those who know Your Name trust You because You have not abandoned any who seek You, Lord. – (Psalm 9:10, CEB)

May everyone who knows Your mercy keep putting their trust in You, for they can count on You for help no matter what. O Lord, You will never, no never, neglect those who come to You. – (Psalm 9:10, TPT)

God is forever faithful to those who seek and trust in Him. In our joy and triumph, He is present. As we struggle and suffer, He remains. The Lord is ever near and does not neglect to listen to those who seek Him. Even when we are unaware of His presence, He is with us as we call of His Name. From the dawn of each new day, to the last of the day’s light, God remains present to help all who seek and trust in Him. May we ever place our trust in He who is faithful and will remain with us forever.

To know the Lord’s Name,

Means we trust in Him;

For He is faithful,

The strength found within.

No matter what comes,

Our God will remain;

He’s with us in joy,

And comfort in pain.

Let us ever seek,

Place faith in the Lord;

Trust in His great Name,

All grace He affords.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful to all who call on Your Name and place their trust in You. Thank You that there is no limit to Your loving kindness and willingness to hear our prayers. Thank You that You are near us in all things and at all times. Forgive us for not turning to You with thanksgiving for the great things that You do and for failing to seek You in our struggles. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would bring all things to You – the triumphs and trials, for You are faithful forever to listen. Show us how to love well, all those around us in a way that helps them know that they are not alone. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we come to You in all things, trusting completely in You. Amen.

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. – (Romans 4:20-22, NLT)

He never doubted that God would do what He promised. He never stopped believing. In fact, he grew stronger in his faith and just praised God. Abraham felt sure that God was able to do what He promised. So that’s why “he was accepted as one who is right with God.” – (Romans 4:20-22, ERV)

Abraham’s righteousness before God was not based on his following the letter of the law, but rather by his faith in the Father. God looks at us the very same way that He looked upon Abraham. He is not looking for people who cross their “t’s” and dot their “I’s” just so, but rather He wants people who place their trust in Him and believe that He will do what He says He will do. Our faith is both challenged and grown in the wait between the promise and its fulfillment. Few of us have to hold out for seventy-some years to see God’s promises realized, but how we choose to trust in the interim matters just as much. Thankfully, we have countless examples that have gone before us to show that faith is worth the wait. Additionally, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, to encourage our hearts and remind us who He is and how He loves. May we ever trust in our Heavenly Father, as He is faithful to fulfill every promise that He provides.

By faith we are seen,

As right before God;

Our trust in His words,

Triumph over flaws.

For righteous to Him,

Belief that He’ll do;

All He has promised,

That His word is true.

Let go of the law,

And focus on Him;

By faith we’ll do right,

As we enter in.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that what You promise, You are faithful to fulfill. Thank You that You count all who trust in You as righteous before You. Forgive us for not believing that You will do what You have promised, and grow in us an unwavering faith that always trusts. Show us how to love others well as we walk forward in the faith that You loving give to us as we seek You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your words and believe Your promises will be provided. Amen.

Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. – (Psalm 50:15, NLT)

Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. – (Jeremiah 33:3, NKJV)

Last week, I joined a small group of ladies from my church to begin a book study in a book called Adventurous Prayer, by Patsy Clairmont. The verses from Psalm 50 and Jeremiah 33 listed above, are but a few of the many reminders throughout the Bible that we are invited to call on the Lord in prayer. Be it in trial or triumph, no matter how massive or minute, God is ready to hear all, and help us with whatever we need. One of the great reminders that I was afforded from the first few chapters of reading, was not only is He available to be called upon, but that I have the very ear of the Divine. For me, that is an extraordinary statement: “You have the ear of the Divine.” (Patsy Clairmont, Adventurous Prayer) May we go about our days in His strength, seeking our Savior in the knowledge that we each have His full attention, for He hears our every prayer.

We are invited,

To call on the Lord;

To seek Him always,

All grace He affords.

Help in our trouble,

Answers in our need;

Direction to walk,

From chains we are freed.

He’ll show us great things,

By His grace and might;

For we have His ear,

We are His delight.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that when we call on You, You hear us, answer us, rescue and show us the things that we need to know to navigate our way according to Your will. Thank You that though we are but one in billions, we have Your ear, individually. Forgive us for forgetting how we are known and heard the moment we call on Your Name. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would recognize the significance of even our smallest prayer unto You. Show us how to pray in power, so that we might learn to love all those around us according to Your perfect plan. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we call on You in all things and at all times, recognizing that we have the very ear of the Divine. Amen.

But I will give repeated thanks to the Lord, praising Him to everyone. – (Psalm 109:30, NLT)

I give thanks to the Lord. I praise Him in front of everyone. – (Psalm 109:30, ERV)

I will continually give thanks to the Eternal with the praises of my mouth; I will praise Him in the company of many. – (Psalm 109:30, VOICE)

In Psalm 109, David is pouring out his heart to the Lord about the harsh treatment that he is receiving at the hands of wicked people. His very first words are words of praise, followed by a call for help. As David presents the pains inflicted upon him at the hands of others, he adds how he has tried to pray. As he continues to unpack the unpleasantries unveiled at the hands of those around him, he calls on the Lord for His faithful love and help. Ultimately, at the end of the Psalm, David gives God his gratitude, and presents praise before all of the people around him. Again, David speaks of the faithful character of God, and how He saves. At the end of the day, David knew that God is good, faithful and loving, and that not only could he call on Him for help, but that the Lord was worthy of praise wherever he went. May we too, share the same sentiment of praise for our God, no matter what comes our way. When we recognize how loving and faithful our Father is for us, we cannot help but present our praise before Him.

To the Lord I bring,

All thanks and all praise;

For He is faithful,

For all of our days.

Before we unpack,

Each place we’re in need;

May we give honor,

To Him who sets free.

Let each heart that’s near,

Hear praise we profess;

So they too may know,

Of His faithfulness.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can come to You, no matter what is happening in our lives, and ask for Your help and Your hope. Thank You Lord, that You are faithful and loving, and that You hear our every heart cry. Forgive us for not presenting the praise that is due before You, as You alone are worthy of all of our praise. Teach us how to trust You more, so that we would seek You and find You in triumph and in tragedy. Show us how to love with faithfulness and grace, so that those around us see the light of Your love through all that we say and do. Let our very lives bring praise unto You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give thanks to You and praise You before all people. Amen.

But I will still be glad in the Lord and rejoice in God my Savior. – (Habakkuk 3:18, ERV)

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! – (Habakkuk 3:18, NLT)

This passage in Habakkuk reminds me that no matter what is going on around me, my reason to rejoice is not circumstantial. My joy comes from knowing that my future is forever secure in Christ. No matter what goes on around me, He who is in me, is greater. Regardless of trial or triumph, my joy comes from Christ alone. May we go forth this day and be glad, knowing that our hope is held by He who hung the stars in the sky and He has our future in the palm of His hands.

Today I choose joy,

For the Lord is good;

No matter what comes,

My hope’s understood.

Reason to rejoice,

Is found in the Lord;

For He is my hope,

The One I adore.

Because the Lord saves,

I can rest assured;

No matter what comes,

My future’s secured.

All thanks be to God,

From Whom blessings flow;

Let our hearts rejoice,

In the truth we know.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, we have reason to be glad and rejoice. Thank You that our joy comes not from our circumstances, but rather from our salvation and hope that is found in You. Forgive us for thinking that joy is dependent on what is going on around us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would know the fullness of the joy that is found in knowing You. Show us how to love others in such a way, that we may share the joy of our salvation with them too. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rejoice in You rather than that which surrounds us. Amen.

God’s ability to restore life unto us, is beyond what we can even begin to fathom. He takes even our most sorrowful circumstances, and will in time, bring good where grief has reigned. Tragedy is turned into triumph, and where there was weeping, joy will come. The challenge is in the waiting between the promise and the fulfillment. Our charge is to remember that God is always good, even when our circumstances are not. He will do immeasureably more than we could hope or imagine to bring life and light and joy, where there has been none. May we trust Him with our trials and tears, and allow His song to rise in our hearts as joy will come again.

Bring every tear,

before Christ the King;

for He will receive,

our each offering.

He takes our sorrow,

and turns it around;

the places we’re lost,

in Him, we are found.

He wipes all our tears,

and brings us new life;

gives joy and gladness,

where there was once strife.

In Christ we can trust,

that true joy shall come;

as we wait in faith,

let His will be done.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though we go through difficult seasons, they will not last forever. Thank You that You promise to bring good out of even the most painful of tragedies. Thank You that You are faithful to do what You say You will do, and that we can trust You in all things at all times. Forgive us for allowing sorrow to sap our surrender to patiently wait on You, and teach us to trust You more, so that we may persevere to see the joy that You have in store for each of us, even after the most trying of times. Lead us to love others in such a way, that we extend the truth of the hope that is held in You. Be glorified O God, as we bring our burdens to You, and patiently wait on You to move in Your might, trusting in the promised joy that is yet to come. Amen.

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. Se the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.'” – (Mark 16:6-7)

These two verses are packed full of significance. They demonstrate just how personal Jesus is to people, and how specifically He cares for us, individually. He knew to have the waiting messenger first tell those who found the empty tomb to not be afraid. Jesus knew their hearts and knew that fear would be their first response. Next, he showed them where the Savior had been laid, so they could see for themselves that He had risen, just as He had said He would do. After that, the ladies were charged with the task of going to tell the disciples, (with specific mention of Peter who had just denied Jesus three times) that Christ had risen! Finally, they were assured that Jesus had gone ahead of them to Galilee, and that they would get to see Him there, just as He had promised.

Jesus knows us. He knows our hearts and our needs. He knows what we need to see and hear to understand and to fend off fear. Jesus takes our circumstances and places people in our path whom convey hope that He is good and His word is true. Christ remains present with us, and does not leave us, despite how things appear. Though the ladies approached an empty tomb, what they discovered was the risen Lord. May we approach our empty tombs with hopeful hearts, trusting that the Lord knows our needs and will lead us and stay beside us, to the place where we too, witness the wonder of what He has planned.

Our Savior Jesus,

knows us each by name;

His heart is for us,

and His truth remains.

No matter what comes,

or stands in our way;

the Lord is our help,

our peace each new day.

Seek Christ in triumph,

and when troubles come;

He’s ever ready,

where our hope is from.

Dear heart, hold not fear,

for Jesus made way;

to overcome all,

as we trust and pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You know us and love us, individually and personally. Thank You that You know our needs before we even express them, and You love us where we are at. Forgive us for our fearfulness when we encounter the seemingly empty tombs in our lives, and teach us to trust You, and Your plan to bring life and hope and redemption from what seems like an end. Teach us to trust You more, so that we eagerly await each new thing that You bring, regardless of how it appears. Lead us to love others with the same gentleness and compassion that You give to us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to bring new life out of our empty tombs. Amen.